Review of HSV GTS vs. FPV GT 2013
They are the latest and greatest in their current class, with the 25th Anniversary edition of the HSV GTS and the supercharged FPV Falcon GT at its finest, the limited edition R-Spec.
They represent the best of both brands before Holden's refreshed Commodore hits showrooms mid-next year and Ford's refreshed Falcon in 2014.
While the new car sales race these days is more about the battle between Toyota, Mazda, Hyundai and other companies, many Australians still have their childhood rivalry between Holden and Ford close to heart, even if they drive an imported hatchback or SUV. which suits their lifestyle better.
To help keep the dream alive, we've brought together these two V8-powered road kings for one final descent into the Mecca of Australian motorsport: Bathurst.
FPV GT R-Spec
VALUE
The FPV GT R-Spec starts at $76,990, which is about $5000 more than the regular GT. You don't get any extra power for that, but you do get a redesigned suspension and, most importantly, wider rear tires that provide much-needed traction.
That's why the R-Spec hits 100 mph faster than the standard GT - thicker tires on the back means it gets off to a better start. Ford makes no official 0 to 100 mph speed claims, but the GT now comfortably falls below the 5-second mark (internal testing showed a time of 4.5 seconds under ideal conditions), making it the fastest Australian-made car of all time. .
Black bodywork with orange accents and a C-shaped stripe on the sides pays homage to the iconic 1969 Boss Mustang. This is the most popular color combination, with a total of 175 colors made. The remaining 175 R-Spec models were either red, white or blue with black stripes.
Compared to a regular GT, the R-Spec's price is high, and the FPV still charges $5995 for six-piston front brakes on the fastest Falcon ever built. However, this is a moot point. Ford fans sold out all 350 pieces.
TECHNOLOGY
The GT R-Spec debuted launch control for FPV in both manual and automatic versions (HSV only has launch control on manual transmission vehicles). A few months ago we drove a GT R-Spec with a manual transmission, but this time we had an automatic transmission.
It may come as a shock to the die-hards, but the choice is automatic. The six-speed manual transmission loses too much acceleration between gear shifts, and stalls and groans in the process. Muscle car aficionados may love the raw manual transmission, but by comparison, the GT's six-speed automatic feels like you're strapped to a rocket.
РАЗМЕЩЕНИЕ
The Falcon is roomy and comfortable, but it's a pity that inside there is no more visual differentiation between GT and standard models (logo on the instrument cluster and red start button).
Despite the price, the GT misses out on other features, such as power windows with automatic lift and fully electric front seat adjustment (both standard on the HSV GTS).
The seats are the same as in the XR Falcons, but with unique stitching. Under the hip and lateral support is modest, but the lumbar adjustment is good.
SECURITY
Stability control, six airbags and five safety stars mean the fastest Falcon is also the safest ever. Wider rear tires improve traction.
But six-piston front brakes should be standard, with conventional four-piston brakes installed instead. Apart from the rear camera, there are no other security gadgets.
DRIVING
This is a Falcon GT that should have flexed in 2010 when a supercharged V8 was installed, but further chassis development and wider rear wheels were delayed by the 2008 global financial crisis.
Luckily, FPV engineers have moved forward to give their mighty supercharged V8 the traction it needs. The suspension is much firmer than before and a bit stiffer than the HSV, but the result is a significantly higher grip threshold.
(Wheels are still 19" because the Falcon can't fit 20" rims and still meets Ford's clearance requirements. Since '20, HSV has 2006" "staggered" wheels.)
Shifts in the six-speed automatic are smooth, allowing you to get the most out of the engine, though sometimes it won't shift down low enough.
The characteristic howl of the supercharger sounds excellent, as does the V8 supercar-like exhaust system that does a good job of dampening the obsessive tire noise on rough surfaces.
Overall, though, this is the first Falcon GT I'm genuinely excited about, and for the first time, I'd prefer a supercharged Ford V8 over its awesome turbocharged six-cylinder cousin.
HSV GTS 25
VALUE
The 84,990th Anniversary edition of the GTS costs $25, $2000 more than the standard GTS, and, like the Ford, gets no extra power. But HSV added $7500 worth of equipment, including six-piston front brakes, a blind spot warning system, and new lightweight wheels.
The Darth Vader-inspired hood scoops and fender vents are borrowed from the HSV Maloo anniversary edition from two years ago. It also received black highlights and tailpipe tips, as well as 25th anniversary stitching on the seats and badges on the trunk and door sills.
A total of 125 copies were produced (yellow, black, red and white). They've all been sold, and until the facelifted Commodore arrives in June, there won't be any more GTS models.
TECHNOLOGY
In addition to the aforementioned blind spot warning (a first for an Australian-made car, it detects nearby cars in adjacent lanes), the GTS has a plethora of gadgets that even the high-tech Nissan GT-R and Porsche 911 don't have.
The GTS has an on-board computer that allows you to monitor the car's engine and suspension performance, acceleration, fuel economy and lap times at every race track in Australia.
Unlike Ford's dual-mode exhaust, the HSV exhaust system can be switched to loud or quiet through the same interface. Launch control is only available on the manual GTS, but its stability control has two settings: standard and track mode, which loosens the leash a bit.
The magnetically controlled suspension (also used on Corvettes, Audis and Ferraris) has two settings: performance and track mode. A little-known feature: HSV cruise control automatically applies the brakes to control downhill speed (other systems only control the throttle, not the brakes, and speed may decrease).
LED daytime running lights and LED taillights were first introduced on Australian-made vehicles.
РАЗМЕЩЕНИЕ
The Commodore is roomy, with just enough steering and seat adjustment to find the perfect driving position. The convex steering wheel, unique instrument cluster and gauges set it apart from the standard car.
The lower seat cushions have good under-thigh support and lateral support, but not as much lumbar adjustment as the Ford. The optional sunroof fitted to the test car robbed our 187cm (6ft 2in) test drive companion of headroom. As much as he liked the GTS, it became too uncomfortable and he spent most of his time in a Ford.
SECURITY
Stability control, six airbags, five-star safety and ample traction, plus the biggest brakes found on a locally built car, it's all there.
Side Blind Spot Alert is a handy feature (especially since the Commodore's mirrors are so small), and the rear camera helps you squeeze into tight parking spaces. But the thick windshield pillars still block vision at some corners and crosswalks.
DRIVING
The HSV GTS isn't as fast as the FPV GT R-Spec, especially when the Holden is in manual transmission, but it's still fun to drive and can hit top speed in just 5 seconds.
The lightest 20-inch wheels ever made by HSV reduce overall weight by 22kg and improve handling slightly. My favorite part, though, is the crackle and murmur of the bimodal exhaust when overspeeding and between gear shifts.
Brake pedal feel is excellent too. I prefer the more damped HSV suspension and the car is quieter at cruising speeds.
VERDICT
In many ways, the results of this experiment are academic, as buyers from both camps rarely switch sides. The good news is that true believers in Ford and Holden can choose from world-class cars that wouldn't exist without the Falcon and Commodore versions they're based on.
However, this result may make it hard to read for Holden fans. The HSV has outperformed its Ford rival in performance and handling for some time, but the latest FPV GT R-Spec is finally changing that.
HSV still leads the way in technology, equipment, all-around refinement and overall capability, but if power and handling are the main criteria, the FPV GT R-Spec wins this competition. That it's several thousand dollars cheaper than HSV just seals the deal.
FPV GT R-Spec
Price: from $78,990
Warranty: Three years/100,000 km
Service Interval: 15,000 km / 12 months
Safety Rating: 5 stars
ENGINES: 5.0-liter supercharged V8, 335 kW, 570 Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Thirst: 13.7 l / 100 km, 324 g / km
Dimensions (L / W / H): 4970/1864/1444 mm
The weight: 1857kg
Spare wheel: Full size alloy (front)
HSV GTS 25th anniversary
Price: from $84,990
Warranty: Three years/100,000 km
Service Interval: 15,000 km / 9 months
safety ranking: 5 stars
ENGINES: 6.2-liter V8, 325 kW, 550 Nm
Transmission: Six-speed manual
Thirst: 13.5 l / 100 km, 320 g / km
Dimensions (L / W / H): 4998/1899/1466 mm
The weight: 1845kg
Spare wheel: Inflatable kit. Spare wheel $199
